Question 1

Is Memphis or Nashville cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $418/month less than in Nashville, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,730/mo in Nashville.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Nashville?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $74,000/year in Nashville, TN — a difference of about $8,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Nashville cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,376/month in Memphis and $9,104/month in Nashville, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Nashville?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Memphis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Memphis53	Nashville72
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,201
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$9,104
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$74,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,730
Median home value	$157,100	$383,100
Median household income	$51,211	$75,197
Unemployment	5.6%	2.9%
Housing score	65	44
Jobs score	14	96
Safety score	4	35
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	47	77
Population	629.1K	684.3K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	89° / 28°

Memphis, TN vs Nashville, TN